Now Entering Loick Essien’s “Terminal 5”

Loick Essien has been absent from the spotlight for some time, and his fans outside of the UK haven’t heard anything from him since 2014’s “Nobody”. But since then it seems the R&B superstar has been working tirelessly, because he’s found a new label and has a new album project slated for release in 2017. But for followers who can’t wait that long Essien has taken the time to craft a free release mixtape for us all to enjoy entitled “Terminal 5”.

Straight off the feature on Wretch 32’s track “Church”, the singer returns with this 10 track project which features some of the UK’s top artists and producers including Stormzy, Stefflon Don, Da Internz to just name a few. Essien showcases the versatility of his voice on this album from his warm baritone to his angelic falsetto, and keeps his listener engaged on every song.

It’s hard to believe that this talented singer/songwriter never even got to release his debut album “Identity” and was shockingly dropped by his record label. But that hasn’t held him back from showing his doubters just how real his talent is, and “Terminal 5” is definitely a way he has proven that. When a lot of singers now days use digital auto tune on there tracks, Essien showcases pure vocal talent.

“Terminal 5” contains tracks that vary from slow to mid tempo productions which works well with the love theme defined by this album. Club bangers are absent on this project, but instead we get a 10 piece emotionally driven masterpiece with lyrics that depict a story with honesty.

My favourite song on the album is the track “Jealously” which features Stefflon Don, and is Loick Essien to a tee, from the powerful vocals to the slowjam backing that blends so well. The song “No One Else” is another song that brings the album into the now, with it’s mix of R&B with a hint of house giving off that chill out bar vibe. The final song on “Terminal 5” is a beautifully produced slow jam by Da Internz entitled “The Other Side”, it’s urban essence is the perfect musical partnership with Loick’s amazing voice.

I’ve been a fan of Loick Essien’s music for a long time, and with “Terminal 5” blowing up all over social media and all internet avenues it’s not hard to see why his next studio album is highly anticipated. “Terminal 5” is available via Loick Essien’s soundcloud now.